Project branches out

A new project aiming to showcase the best of Boston and surrounding area has gone live.

The first three recorded conversations about life here, past, present and future, are now available at the Boston Listening Tree You Tube channel.

The project is the brainchild of Boston mum and entrepreneur Victoria Percival, who stood as Green Party candidate in the last General Election.

She said: “I grew up in Boston, left and came back and didn’t like the negativity. If there is no challenge then inaccurate comments become established as fact. I wanted to provide an opportunity for some more positive comment about the town and borough from those who enjoy living and working here.”

She added: “I started Boston’s Listening Tree after a gathering put on by the Quakers. They arranged an event to bring people of all nationalities together in Boston. We sat down over cake and tea and shared our cultural experiences.

“It was so lovely to hear why people came to Boston, their experiences of work and people. I thought how wonderful it would be to have little videos of people’s stories.

“So I started interviewing people from Boston and those new to Boston. Their stories have me gripped.

“The Boston-born people I have spoken to talked about the excitement of the Gliderdrome, how every teen boy wanted to learn the guitar but it was not considered a ‘proper’ instrument and they should learn the piano instead. They talked about outside loos, baths in front of the fire, walking miles to school.

“For me Boston is full of amazing people. I think it’s important to have an oral and visual document of Boston from the past up to the here and now.

“I see this project as a chance for Bostonians old and new to tell in their own words their life experiences, so others can watch, listen, understand and possibly learn a little more about what it is really like to live in Boston; rather than the many reports we keep seeing, which many feel are wrong and don’t show the correct picture of Boston at all.”

The first three to go live include Boston Mayor Coun Richard Austin, Coun Paul Gleeson and Emma, who grew up in Swineshead and Kirton.

Visit: www.youtube.com/channel/UCHryBeflLCR9PFhnBW9pC5w

If you feel your story about Boston is worth telling contact Victoria on 07956368057 or email bostonlisteningtree@outlook.com